When her sister-in-law passed away a few years ago after living with Down’s syndrome, businesswoman Barbara Stull, heartbroken and looking for a way to give back to the community, found
St. Joseph Home of Cincinnati. Located in Sharonville not far from
The Alleen Company, where Barbara is president and CEO, St. Joseph Home provides residential care to individuals with severe/profound mental and physical disabilities. Now chairwoman of the board at St. Joseph Home, Stull says, “I’ve never seen such compassionate care from staff. They truly nurture each and every resident.”
St. Joseph Home currently serves as a permanent home for 48 individuals. Residents range in age from infants to senior citizens and are considered medically fragile. Although working with this population can be challenging, Development Director Renee Russell says, “St. Joseph Home is not a sad place. Watching the staff use their creativity and compassion to communicate with the residents makes me smile.”
Although residents are non-verbal and non-ambulatory, staff learn to communicate with them in a unique way, picking up on nuances and cues that can only be received through a dedication to learning individual personalities. “Our residents are very open, honest and loving,” says Russell. “They always surprise me.”
In addition to providing assistance with the most basic daily living skills, many times hand over hand, staff provide recreation and entertainment through the home’s activities department. Residents participate in activities like crafting, singing, field trips and sporting events. In addition, St. Joseph Home welcomes visitors that desire to share their time and talent. Musicians, dancers and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra have performed for the residents.
As a sponsored ministry of the
Sisters of Charity Cincinnati, St. Joseph Home serves individuals of all ages, faiths and walks of life. Many are referred by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, physicians, and word of mouth. St. Joseph Home also operates a respite center for those on a waiting list to become a permanent resident.
“No child is turned away due to lack of funds,” says Russell. Individuals that need financial assistance can apply for respite scholarships provided through donor funding. Applicants can apply online.
Do Good:
• Volunteer. Come visit a resident, share your time or perform for them.
• Donate. St. Joseph Home needs funds for respite scholarships.
• Connect with the St. Joseph Home community through Facebook.
By Deidra Wiley Necco
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.